BS 7835 XLPE LSZH 8.7/15kV Cable
Why Medium Voltage LSZH Power Cables Rated at 8.7/15kV with XLPE Insulation, Copper Conductors, and Armouring Are Essential for Modern Power Networks in South Africa
BS 7835 XLPE LSZH 8.7/15kV Cable
Category | Specification |
|---|---|
Application | Medium voltage LSZH power cables for power networks, underground and in cable ducting. |
Characteristics | Voltage Rating Uo/U (Um): 8.7/15 (17.5) kV Temperature Rating: Fixed: 0°C to +90°C Minimum Bending Radius: - Single core - Fixed: 15 x overall diameter - 3 core - Fixed: 12 x overall diameter (Single core 12 x overall diameter and 3 core 10 x overall diameter where bends are positioned adjacent to a joint or termination, provided bending is carefully controlled by the use of a former) |
Construction | Conductor: Class 2 stranded copper conductor Conductor Screen: Semi-conductive XLPE Insulation: XLPE Insulation Screen: Semi-conductive XLPE Metallic Screen: Individual or collective overall copper tape screen Filler: PET fibres Separator: Binding tape Bedding: LSZH Armour: Single core: AWA; Multi-core: SWA Sheath: LSZH Sheath Colour: Red / Black |
Standards | BS 7835, IEC/EN 60228 Flame Retardant according to IEC/EN 60332-1-2 UV Resistant |
Dimensions
PART NO. | NO. OF CORES | NOMINAL CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA (mm²) | INSULATION THICKNESS (mm) | SEMI-CONDUCTIVE LAYER THICKNESS (mm) | OUTER SHEATH THICKNESS (mm) | NOMINAL DIAMETER (mm) | NOMINAL WEIGHT (kg/km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Inner | Outer | Over Insulation | Overall | ||||
A9M15KV01050* | 1 | 50 | 3.95 | 1.32 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 19.50 |
A9M15KV01070* | 1 | 70 | 3.95 | 1.40 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 21.10 |
A9M15KV01095* | 1 | 95 | 3.95 | 1.48 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 22.80 |
A9M15KV01120* | 1 | 120 | 3.95 | 1.48 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 24.10 |
A9M15KV01150* | 1 | 150 | 3.95 | 1.56 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 26.00 |
A9M15KV01185* | 1 | 185 | 3.95 | 1.56 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 27.30 |
A9M15KV01240* | 1 | 240 | 3.95 | 1.64 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 30.00 |
A9M15KV01300* | 1 | 300 | 3.95 | 1.72 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 32.10 |
A9M15KV01400* | 1 | 400 | 3.95 | 1.80 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 35.00 |
A9M15KV01500* | 1 | 500 | 3.95 | 1.88 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 38.00 |
A9M15KV01630* | 1 | 630 | 3.95 | 1.96 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 42.10 |
A9M15KV03050* | 3 | 50 | 3.95 | 2.12 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 19.50 |
A9M15KV03070* | 3 | 70 | 3.95 | 2.20 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 21.10 |
A9M15KV03095* | 3 | 95 | 3.95 | 2.28 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 22.80 |
A9M15KV03120* | 3 | 120 | 3.95 | 2.36 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 24.10 |
A9M15KV03150* | 3 | 150 | 3.95 | - | 0.50 | 0.80 | 26.00 |
A9M15KV03185* | 3 | 185 | 3.95 | 2.60 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 27.30 |
A9M15KV03240* | 3 | 240 | 3.95 | 2.76 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 30.00 |
A9M15KV03300* | 3 | 300 | 3.95 | 2.84 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 32.10 |
A9M15KV03400* | 3 | 400 | 3.95 | 3.08 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 35.00 |
A9M15KV03500* | 3 | 500 | 3.95 | 3.24 | 0.50 | 0.80 | 38.00 |
Conductors
NOMINAL CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA (mm²) | NOMINAL DIAMETER OF CONDUCTOR (mm) | NOMINAL SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT AT 1 SECOND (kA) | CONDUCTOR DC RESISTANCE AT 20 °C (Ω/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
Single Core | |||
50 | 8.10 | 7.15 | 0.387 |
70 | 9.70 | 10.01 | 0.268 |
95 | 11.40 | 13.59 | 0.193 |
120 | 12.70 | 17.16 | 0.153 |
150 | 14.50 | 21.45 | 0.124 |
185 | 15.90 | 26.46 | 0.0991 |
240 | 18.60 | 34.32 | 0.0754 |
300 | 20.70 | 42.90 | 0.0601 |
400 | 23.50 | 57.20 | 0.0470 |
500 | 26.50 | 71.50 | 0.0366 |
630 | 30.20 | 90.09 | 0.0283 |
Why LSZH Medium Voltage Cables Matter in South Africa
South Africa faces unique challenges in power distribution. From deep-level mining operations in Gauteng and North West to renewable energy farms in the Northern Cape, reliability and safety are paramount.
Mining safety: In underground mines, fire poses a severe hazard. LSZH (Low Smoke Zero Halogen) sheathing limits toxic emissions during fire events, protecting workers.
Urban infrastructure: Johannesburg and Cape Town’s expanding underground cable ducting systems require cables that are flame-retardant, UV resistant, and compliant with IEC/EN 60332-1-2.
Renewable energy: Solar and wind power projects rely on robust MV cables to connect generating sites to substations. LSZH cables’ UV resistance ensures longevity in harsh outdoor conditions.
Application Scenarios
Underground Power Networks
Installed in ducting or directly in ground.
Used in Johannesburg and Durban municipal upgrades.
Mining Industry
South Africa’s platinum and gold mines rely on LSZH MV cables for safety.
Reduce toxic smoke risk during underground fires.
Industrial Plants
Petrochemical facilities require hydrocarbon-resistant, flame-retardant LSZH sheathing.
Renewable Energy Projects
Solar farms in Upington and wind farms in the Eastern Cape integrate 15kV MV LSZH cables into their distribution grids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why choose LSZH cables over PVC-sheathed cables?
LSZH cables emit less smoke and no halogen gases during fire, making them safer in tunnels, buildings, and mines.
2. What is the difference between AWA and SWA armouring?
AWA (Aluminium Wire Armour) is used in single-core cables to prevent magnetic losses.
SWA (Steel Wire Armour) is used in multi-core cables for mechanical protection.
3. Can these cables be installed outdoors in South Africa’s climate?
Yes. They are UV resistant and can withstand temperatures up to 90°C.
4. How deep should these cables be buried?
Typically 0.8–1.5 m, with de-rating factors applied for greater depths.
5. Are these cables approved for use in South Africa?
Yes. While based on BS and IEC standards, they also comply with South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) regulations for medium voltage installations.
Medium Voltage LSZH 8.7/15kV XLPE Armoured Cables represent a perfect balance of safety, reliability, and performance. In South Africa, they are not just cables but lifelines for mining, urban infrastructure, and renewable energy.
NO. OF CORES | NOMINAL CROSS-SECTIONAL AREA (mm²) | CURRENT CARRYING CAPACITY (A) | CONDUCTOR LOSSES IN THE GROUND (kW/km) |
|---|---|---|---|
In Ground (20°C) | In Air (30°C) | ||
1 | 50 | 249 | 277 |
1 | 70 | 303 | 345 |
1 | 95 | 358 | 418 |
1 | 120 | 404 | 481 |
1 | 150 | 441 | 537 |
1 | 185 | 493 | 612 |
1 | 240 | 563 | 716 |
1 | 300 | 626 | 811 |
1 | 400 | 676 | 901 |
1 | 500 | 743 | 1006 |
1 | 630 | - | - |
3 | 50 | 210 | 206 |
3 | 70 | 256 | 257 |
3 | 95 | 307 | 313 |
3 | 120 | 349 | 360 |
3 | 150 | 392 | 410 |
3 | 185 | 443 | 469 |
3 | 240 | 513 | 553 |
3 | 300 | 576 | 635 |
3 | 400 | 650 | 731 |
3 | 500 | - | - |
